Thursday, October 16, 2008
Scifi, pop culture, and the novel
Yesterday in class we discussed the many ways in which Junot Diaz uses speculative fiction, scifi, and fan fiction culture in The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao . This movement toward integrating what has traditionally been known as pop culture with literary fiction is an increasingly powerful one in contemporary American fiction. Some of you have mentioned how much you like Michael Chabon, the author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and Wonder Boys. If you're interested, read the following article for some more information about the subject. What do you think of this movement? Are there other books you've read that bring in topics usually associated with what many call "genre fiction"?
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3 comments:
I have been upset by the novel again and again these past years because "sophisticated" Literature tends to be interior...and nothing happens.
The Literary novelist seems to say, "If you want to read plot then read something lowbrow."
Plot is not negative, just ask Hemingway
Relegating any literature to the categories or high/low art does a disservice to the reader. Some of the most insightful, influential book ever written could be dismissed as Sci-Fi genre fiction (1984, Neuromancer).
Diaz does some amazing stuff with his unique blend of geek-speak and Spanglish. His writing seems to usher in an era where anything goes. As long as the work is compelling and engaging who cares where the inspiration comes from? Oscar Wao is a refreshing break from the drudgery of "great literature".
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